The most visible Jewish communities in Britain are the ultra-Orthodox, the Haredim: they wear traditional clothes, with men bearded and wearing skullcaps.

Britain’s biggest Haredi community is in Stamford Hill, east London.

Last week one far-right activist said he was planning a protest there next month – against “Jewification”, according to a poster he put on Facebook.

A leading figure in the Haredi community, Rabbi Avraham Pinter, said some in the community feared it might inflame tensions.

But he said they had been “overwhelmed” by support from all quarters, especially other faith groups.

Like many Jewish communities he said the ultra-Orthodox were carrying on with their usual routines, though more watchful and wary than before.

Community ‘anxious’
David Delew, chief executive of the trust, said the increase in recorded incidents “shows just how easily anti-Semitic attitudes can erupt into race hate abuse, threats and attacks”.

Home Secretary Theresa May said the new figures were “deeply concerning”, and she was committed to working with Jewish leaders and police to tackle anti-Semitism.

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said this was “an important report” which “must serve as a warning to everyone”.

The Metropolitan Police said hate crime “remains largely under reported” and urged victims to come forward.

In a statement, it said recent events had made Jewish communities “anxious” and said it was providing more patrols in “key areas” and was “closely monitoring the situation”.